Automated future could play to women’s strengths: RBC Economics

Women hold more than half of the 35 per cent of Canadian jobs that face an elevated threat from automation

However, women are well positioned for the future where digital and social skills like critical thinking, communication and problem-solving will be in greater demand

TORONTO, March 5, 2019 - While automation is poised to disrupt millions of jobs in Canada, women may be better positioned than men in the labour market of the future, according to a new report from RBC Economics.

RBC Economics’ analysis shows women hold more than half of the 35 per cent of Canadian jobs that face an elevated threat from automation. However, RBC Economics’ view is that despite this threat, women are in a better position than their male counterparts to face this disruption. Generalist, digital and social skills – the skills that women currently use to a greater extent – will be in high demand for future roles.

“Though many women hold jobs that are at risk of automation, those jobs have allowed them to hone skills that will be in high demand in the future,” said Dawn Desjardins, Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist, RBC Economics.
Women hold 54 per cent of the occupations in Canada that face a high degree of risk to be automated – that’s 3.4 million jobs.

Over the past five years, occupations in which speaking, active listening, or reading comprehension skills are critical have seen the largest gains. These jobs have grown almost 50 per cent faster than overall employment.
One concern remains that women are underrepresented in management.

“While disruption could find women more prepared than men, women still see lower representation in some of the best-paying and least-automatable professions,” added Desjardins. “This discrepancy largely shows up in management occupations, where women’s underrepresentation has created a substantial management skills gap.”

RBC Economics believes smart policies can help women better identify and match their skills to the jobs of the future. Much of the reskilling conversation in Canada has focused on the retraining of workers who fall victim to well publicized plant closures. But many of the jobs that are under threat - and disproportionately held by women - disappear in silence.

“To ensure women are well-positioned for the future, we need better, open-access labour market data that identifies career pathways based on skills,” said Desjardins. “The government’s efforts to create a national digital platform for skills and jobs information is a first step to help employers link with the workers they need for the future, and could lessen the time for retraining in job transitions.”

About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 84,000+ employees who bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 16 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 33 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.‎

We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-sustainability.